Shinichiro Watanabe, director of the beloved anime series Cowboy Bebop, attended the MCM London Comic Con in late October and opened up about about a live action adaptation, as well as continuing the anime. Cowboy Bebop was a late 90’s anime that centered on a group of space bounty hunters from different walks of life, each equally thought-provoking.

On the topic of the American live action film, Watanabe explained, “I’m afraid I don’t know what they’re thinking in Hollywood. Apparently the project hasn’t come to a stop but I don’t know how it’s going to progress from here on.” The film was in talks for years, with actor Keanu Reeves attached to portray the lead role of Spike Spiegel. However, last year the actor claimed major issues for a Cowboy Bebop film are due to the financial backing it would require.

When an inquiry about a future Cowboy Bebop anime series was brought up, Watanabe made it a point that he would only show interest in returning to that series if he felt he could top his previous work. While that doesn’t rule out a future for the adventures of the Bebop crew, it does slightly put a damper on hopes for not only a sequel anime, but a spectacular live action cosmic adventure as well.

With the Cowboy Bebop blu ray release merely a month away, and repeats still airing years later, hopefully this will spark an interest in the anime all over again for previous fans along with a new generation of anime lovers. I simply can’t and won’t accept a future without more Bebop adventures, Mr. Watanabe!